7 Solid Reasons Why You Should Buy Used or Vintage Goods

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed bargain hunting. I’d pass my time browsing garage sales and discovering new secondhand stores.

I’ve always been and still am a big fan of old stuff and/or used stuff. I love that old saying, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. Though, it’s not just about the treasure. It’s a way of living, it’s a philosophy.

Part of this philosophy is the belief that old things, imperfect things, used things can still be worthy of ownership and use. Nowadays, we live in a disposable society. So, pretty much the opposite is true: when things get old or if we don’t love it anymore, it’s basically no longer good to us. We’ll throw it away.

For about the last 7 years now, I’ve re-considered my automatic notion that when I buy it should be shiny and new. I’ve come up with 7reasons that you could feel really good about when you buy used and/or vintage stuff.

#1 You feel purposeful when you buy used or vintage goods.

It can give you a sense that you’re doing something positive for the planet. You’re conscious of the impact of buying something new. You ask yourself, must I buy this new? Can I find this used but just as good? Is it okay if it’s older? Will I feel better about this whole purchase if I could get it used? Being conscious gives you a sense of purpose on the planet because you’re acting for the planet.

#2 When you buy used or vintage goods, you are helping to lessen the impact that making new stuff puts on the planet.

In a nut-shell, since the stuff you’re buying isn’t requiring any new energy to make, it’s not impacting the environment. You’re not expending any new resources.

#3 Used goods don’t generate pollution.

Since the production of new stuff isn’t happening, there aren’t any pollutants being pushed out into the environment. For example, no carbon emissions or toxic chemicals. You’re standing up for that.

#4 Buying used goods is good for small businesses and good causes.

If you’re buying used or vintage you’re doing business with a small company, maybe even a solo entrepreneur. You’re exchanging goods at a very personal level and closed circle kind of way. This makes for a meaningful business exchange. Sadly, this way of doing business is taken for granted these days.

#5 Buying used or vintage goods is usually less expensive.

If you buy from a reputable seller, vendor, or small business your stuff will be special and of a good high quality. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you get long time use for the used good you buy.

#6 Used or vintage goods are beautiful!

Used goods are beautiful because they can be timeless or can capture time in a special way. You can express yourself uniquely when you collect, wear, decorate with or appreciate used / vintage stuff.

#7 Buying used or vintage goods is an act of renewal.

What one person deems as no good or not useful anymore, to you it’s just what you’ve been looking for. Maybe you’re going to re-gift it or re-purpose it. What was once old can be renewed.

#8 Buying used or vintage goods can simplify your life.

You’ve simplified your life down to what truly matters to you. It’s about simple luxury. It doesn’t need to be extravagant, just special, meaningful and hopefully purposeful, too. You’re keeping thing s real this way. Basically, you’re saying it’s the little things that bring joy and a ray of sunshine into your life. It’s the little things that are simply beautiful. For me, it’s all about the little things in life, hence TheWeeBitThings.

Why do you need a new decorative pillow when you can find a beautiful used one like this? 🙂

Why buy a new designer hat when you can find a used one in mint condition? You don’t need to follow trends to look great. Express your true self!